### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb στρεβλόω (streblóō, `{{G4761}}`) is derived from a root related to στρέφω (strépho, `{{G4762}}`), meaning "to turn" or "to twist." Its core meaning in the literal sense is "to wrench," "to distort," or "to twist violently." This can extend to the severe sense of torturing by twisting or stretching, such as on a rack. However, in its New Testament usage, the word is employed exclusively in a figurative sense, meaning "to pervert," "to distort," or "to wrest." The underlying concept is a forceful and damaging manipulation that takes something from its proper or intended form, often with destructive consequences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
στρεβλόω (streblóō, `{{G4761}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in a passage of profound significance for biblical interpretation:
* **[[2 Peter 3:16]]**: "as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable twist (στρεβλόω) to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures."
In this context, Peter is referring to the writings of the Apostle Paul. He acknowledges that some of Paul's teachings are challenging to comprehend. The critical warning comes as he describes the actions of "the untaught and unstable" (οἱ ἀμαθεῖς καὶ ἀστήρικτοι), who "twist" or "pervert" these difficult passages. The use of στρεβλόω here is powerful. It implies not merely a misunderstanding, but a deliberate and violent distortion of the text's original meaning. The imagery of "wrenching" or "torturing" is applied to the Scriptures themselves, suggesting an aggressive manipulation that forces the divine Word to conform to one's own erroneous views, rather than humbly submitting to its truth. This perversion is presented as leading directly to "their own destruction." The fact that Peter equates this twisting of Paul's letters with how they handle "the rest of the Scriptures" implicitly affirms the inspired and authoritative nature of Paul's writings.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **στρέφω (strépho, `{{G4762}}`):** The foundational word, meaning "to turn." στρεβλόω intensifies this, suggesting a harmful or violent turning or twisting.
* **διαστρέφω (diastréphō, `{{G1294}}`):** Meaning "to twist thoroughly," "to pervert," or "to corrupt." This word is often used for perverting the ways of the Lord ([[Acts 13:10]]) or corrupting the truth ([[Luke 23:2]]). It shares a very close semantic range with στρεβλόω in its figurative application to distorting truth.
* **ἀνατρέπω (anatrépō, `{{G396}}`):** "To overturn," "to subvert." Used in contexts of subverting faith ([[2 Timothy 2:18]]) or households ([[Titus 1:11]]). While στρεβλόω focuses on the *method* of distortion (twisting), ἀνατρέπω points to the *result* (overturning).
* **παρατρέπω (paratrépō, `{{G3964}}`):** "To turn aside," "to deviate." This word describes a departure from the correct path, which can be a precursor to the more severe "twisting" of στρεβλόω.
The concept embodied by στρεβλόω is intrinsically linked to the New Testament's warnings against false teaching, heresy, and the manipulation of divine revelation for personal gain or erroneous doctrine.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of στρεβλόω in [[2 Peter 3:16]] carries profound theological weight:
* **The Authority and Integrity of Scripture:** The word underscores the belief that Scripture possesses a stable, intended meaning that should not be violated. To "twist" it is to assault its divine integrity and authority. It implies that God's Word is not infinitely pliable to human interpretation but has a fixed truth.
* **The Danger of Misinterpretation:** This verb serves as a severe warning against careless, unspiritual, or self-serving approaches to biblical interpretation. It highlights that such misinterpretation is not a benign intellectual exercise but a perilous act that leads to "destruction." It warns against imposing one's own agenda or preconceived notions onto the text.
* **The Responsibility of the Interpreter:** The passage implicitly calls believers to handle the Word of God with utmost care, diligence, and reverence. It stands in stark contrast to the ideal of "rightly dividing the word of truth" (ὀρθοτομέω, orthotoméō, `{{G3718}}`) as exhorted in [[2 Timothy 2:15]].
* **The Nature of Heresy:** στρεβλόω vividly describes the *method* by which false doctrine often arises: not by outright rejection of Scripture, but by a subtle, yet violent, distortion of its meaning. This makes it a crucial term for understanding the mechanics of heresy.
### Summary
στρεβλόω (streblóō, `{{G4761}}`) is a powerful Greek verb, occurring uniquely in [[2 Peter 3:16]], that literally means "to wrench" or "to torture by twisting." In its New Testament usage, it is used figuratively to signify "to pervert," "to distort," or "to wrest." Its sole appearance describes the dangerous actions of "the untaught and unstable" who violently twist Paul's letters—and by extension, all Scripture—to their own destruction. This word vividly portrays a deliberate and destructive manipulation of divine truth, emphasizing that such perversion is not a mere error but a perilous act that violates the integrity of God's Word and leads to ruin. It serves as a solemn warning against irreverent or self-serving approaches to biblical interpretation, urging instead a humble, diligent, and accurate handling of the sacred text.
TRV